Chapter 12: You started it – 3

When other students hadn’t even thought about moving yet, the first one to rush towards Professor Karia was Cheon Yuhwa.

Truly a pre-emptive strike that secures victory, a tactic familiar to me as well.

‘Prompting the opponent to consume one or more cards without analysing their attack.’

The pre-emptive attack allowed Cheon Yuhwa to seize a favourable position in battle.

This is also mentioned in the story of ‘World Saviour Online.’

Approaching with overwhelming close combat ability and utilizing illusionary slaughter to block the opponent’s means.

‘The problem is that this opponent is Professor Karia. Moreover, she’s a retired top-ranked player.’

Quaang!

A shockwave burst from the tip of Cheon Yuhwa’s fist with a cracking sound.

Such swift movements that one couldn’t even follow with the eyes.

It was a powerful attack that could make one gulp involuntarily.

The air, shaken by the shockwave from a simple jab, turned into a breeze and tousled the students’ hair.

“Wow, insane.”

“Is she a martial artist? So fast.”

Among the students sitting, admiration arose.

Not only to me but to other students as well, Cheon Yuhwa’s movements were extraordinary.

“…You dodged it, didn’t you?”

“I have no intention of just standing there and taking hits.”

Cheon Yuhwa’s eyes narrowed like a crescent moon.

Another layer of intensity emanated from her body.

Indeed, if it’s someone like Professor Karia, there’s no need to waste resources unnecessarily.

She skilfully avoids using means by utilizing her accumulated experience and techniques to dodge attacks.

“Up to this point, roughly 3 seconds.”

There’s about 7 seconds left until the time limit ends.

“I should start moving too.”

Rewards for such sudden events depend on how faithfully one fulfils their purpose.

Since I decided to rush in with the intent to kill for 10 seconds, the stronger my moves, the stronger the impression I’ll leave on Professor Karia.

Since it’s come to this, I intend to deliver a proper effective blow.

‘Enhance physical abilities with magic and carve the rune of the ox symbolizing strength on top.’

Magical power flowed through the circuits and spread throughout my body, and the ‘n’ rune inscribed on both arms emitted a faint light.

It’s an act of enhancing physical abilities with physical reinforcement, not stopping there, but to maximize the effect, I chant the name of the rune.

The enchantment’s chant.

It’s an act of boosting the effect of a spell through advanced autosuggestion.

‘Uruz.’

[The ‘n’ rune exerts a mysterious effect.]

[The effect of magic increases through verbal enchantment.]

Five seconds have passed since Professor Karia started the countdown.

Clunk-.

I propelled myself from the chair I was sitting on and flew through the air.

Directly charging towards Professor Karia who was dodging Cheon Yuhwa’s attack.

The chair I pushed off from made a loud noise as it shook.

It’s the noise caused by my lack of ability to control my movements as precisely as Cheon Yuhwa. ‘

“Did you amplify physical abilities with rune magic?”

However, Professor Karia’s clothes weren’t even touched.

She smoothly twisted her body to pass by me by one step.

It’s an astonishingly precise movement.

Professor Karia’s crimson eyes pierced through all my movements.

I was easily deceived by her precise control of distance.

The living textbook of martial arts. Professor Karia’s skills are impeccable in all aspects of close combat.

“You enhanced the rune effect through enchantment.”

She analysed me accurately while displaying such skill.

She saw through the overlaid physical reinforcement enhanced by enchanting runes at a glance.

“This level of movement is predictable.”

Four seconds left.

I nervously bit my lips and injected magic into the circuit again.

It’s a hurried manipulation of magic due to impatience.

The magic that was supposed to circulate along the circuit leaked out externally.

Professor Karia’s gaze, detecting magic, remained fixed on me.

Without missing that opportunity, Cheon Yuhwa aimed a surprise attack at the back of Professor Karia’s head.

Whoom-.

‘Damn, top-ranked are indeed different. Is this it?’

Cheon Yuhwa’s arm once again cut through empty air.

It’s because Professor Karia twisted her body to avoid Cheon Yuhwa’s attack range.

‘Even Cheon Yuhwa’s speed is easily evaded. It’s impossible for me to surpass Professor Karia in physical abilities.’

Every moment, Professor Karia’s eyes were scanning a lot of space.

It’s the same this time.

It seemed like she already knew where and how Cheon Hyuwa would attack.

I quickly devised a plan while observing Professor Karia’s response.

Using physical abilities as leverage to target her would yield no results.

It would only waste valuable time and energy.

‘Then…!’

What should I do then?

The answer to the question that came to mind quickly descended.

I changed my strategy and adjusted my actions.

Three seconds left.

Like a blank canvas, I unfolded a barrier excluding magic and erected two different spells on top of it.

I designed two spell formations to activate separately, intertwined by a single barrier.

‘The size and shape are set to a spherical shape that just reaches my arm’s swinging distance.’

Anything larger is unnecessary and risks dismantling the barrier by accidentally touching Cheon Yuhwa’s body.

Regardless, I deployed the completed spell formation.

Now, there are only 2 seconds left.

A new barrier was unfolded, but the previously activated Body Enhancement and Rune Magic are still functioning properly.

No issues.

That judgment was made.

Flying towards Professor Karia once again, I smiled inwardly while heeding her advice.

“You were too hasty. Your movements have become predictable.”

She lightly passed by me as she advised.

However, I smiled inwardly, knowing that I was moving just as I had planned.

Professor Karia moved exactly as I anticipated.

She simply passed by, avoiding any excessive leaps to distance herself from me.

Minimizing movements to evade the enemy’s attacks and conserve energy.

It’s a habit she acquired through years of experience as a hunter to survive.

“Efficient evasion has become second nature to her, but now I’m using it to my advantage.”

Another second passed, and that fleeting moment became my last.

Snap!

Like fitting a finger into a ring, I clasped my hands together to form the hand seal.

With precise hand shapes, the action was completed.

“[Spell enhancement through Hand Seal formation activated.]”

A Hand Seal is not limited to mere verbal incantations or names.

Gestural casting, known as Hand Seal formations, is a prime example of such enhancements.

By following predetermined movements or forming specific shapes with the body, the effects of Hand Seal formations are unleashed.

With a swift motion, the effect of the first spell formation, ‘Range Extension,’ was triggered.

There are two main advantages of enhancing the spell formation through Hand Seals: increased range and reduced activation time.

‘There’s no need to excessively expand the range.’

I included Professor Karia, who stood near me, within the barrier, leaving enough distance to avoid touching Cheon Yuhwa.

I decided to sacrifice the increased range and allocate the effect solely to shorten the activation time.

If this was a game, such manipulation would be impossible.

With that thought in mind, I infused more mana into the circuit.

The enhanced spell formation through Hand Seal showcased the application of Barrier Magic previously deemed impossible in games.

“Did he expand the barrier’s size?”

“No, this expansion speed is…”

The barrier completed its expansion in an instant.

Some spectators murmured in awe at the momentary expansion of the barrier.

“Don’t worry about it. I have to make the spell formations work somehow.’

As soon as Professor Karia tried to move, the second spell formation was triggered.

“…?!”

Professor Karia, about to move, grimaced and stifled a curse.

A spell formation that restrains movement.

That’s the identity of the second spell formation inscribed in the barrier.

‘Since neither incantations nor Hand Seals were performed, the effect isn’t significant.’

The Hand Seal I formed was only for Range Extension.

The effect of the movement-restraining spell formation wasn’t affected by Hand Seal enhancements.

Perhaps, if she was a top-tier ranker, she would have easily broken free.

However, even if that was the case, there wouldn’t be any problem.

To recognize and dispel the movement-restraining magic, Professor Karia inevitably needed a bit of time.

It might be a fraction of a fraction of a second, but it doesn’t matter.

I’ve already created enough of a gap to exploit.

“It’s done.”

At the moment the restraint spell formation took effect, Professor Karia exhibited momentary hesitation in her movements, lasting just milliseconds.

As someone not foolish, I wouldn’t miss that opportunity.

Swiftly, I reached out and grabbed a handful of Professor Karia’s clothes.

Despite giving my all for ten seconds, all I managed to do was tug her clothes slightly.

Yet, even that was enough for now.

I confirmed that I had reached a higher level than I had expected with just that action.

“…Ten seconds over.”

Professor Karia, with a disappointed expression, declared the end of the ten seconds.

Only then did things other than Professor Karia come into focus.

Dust swirled in the classroom due to the intense movements.

Students who remained seated and those who were about to rush forward froze in place.

Perhaps the latter group of students took advantage of the last moment to move.

“You are still inexperienced and have much to learn.”

As Professor Karia declared the end, she opened her mouth, maintaining the same expression.

“…I was supposed to play along nicely, but…”

She let out a wry laugh and turned her head slightly.

Naturally, my eyes shifted beyond Professor Karia’s back.

The part of her body obscured from view.

When Professor Karia turned her head, it vaguely came into sight.

“I never expected to get caught by just two freshmen working together.”

Cheon Yuhwa revealed herself from behind Professor Karia.

She didn’t miss the gap I created and closed the distance, ultimately reaching her.

I held onto the front end of Professor Karia’s polo coat, while Cheon Yuhwa gripped the fabric near her back.

“My name is Seong Yujin.”

“I’m Cheon Yuhwa.”

After hearing our names, Professor Karia shook her head, then chuckled and clapped a few times.

Naturally, the attention of the students was focused on Professor Karia.

“Today’s lecture ends here. Get along well, and listen to the teacher. You’ve heard enough cliché advice back in your school days, haven’t you?”

‘Already?’

I thought, but other students were already busy gathering in groups, chatting away.

It does feel good when classes end quickly.

Having been to university, I know that feeling well.

Shortened classes and breaks were always unbeatable, heavenly even.

Reminiscing about my failed attempt at having a free Friday during my university days, I cursed first-come-first-served registration system.

“Well then, both of you, please follow me for a moment,” Professor Karia said, interrupting my thoughts of enjoying an early finish to class.

I was hoping to enjoy some leisure time after finishing class early, but Professor Karia called me and Cheon Yuhwa over.

“It won’t take long. I just have something I want to ask,” she said.

Of course, I had no choice in the matter.

“Um, what did you want to ask, by any chance?”

I inquired, as we had been walking for about ten minutes already.

Where on earth was she taking us?

I couldn’t help but wonder.

“Well, there won’t be anyone listening once we get there,” Professor Karia said, finally stopping her stride.

Both Cheon Yuhwa and I, who had been naturally following her, also stopped.

Professor Karia turned to us and finally spoke.

“I expected as much, but students handpicked by the Head are indeed special.”

Wait, ‘students handpicked by the Head ‘?

My head instinctively turned towards Cheon Yuhwa.